Our JEG Mechanical division is currently working on a project in Grangecastle, Dublin for a truly international client who has 13 state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in 6 countries.
This company “has four business divisions united by a shared commitment to quality, safety and ongoing innovation: Bioscience, Diagnostic, Hospital and Bio Supplies.”
………why are we highlighting this?
This company specified that we should use the Sikla SiFramo support system on the project as part of their ongoing innovation and we have been pleasantly surprised by the results.
Sikla themselves are an innovative company. When you look at their Corporate Mandate, you will see the statement below
The Sikla system is a secondary steel replacement material/technology that has a higher initial cost than traditional alternatives but can deliver significant overall savings and other benefits.
The Project team have put forward their findings based on their experiences with the product to date.
Accurately modelled bracketry during the design process allows for the off-site manufacture of the bespoke Sikla support system, saving precious site space for installation teams.
Quality output from JEG BIM team provided accurate support details and layout information.
Initial laser scan of the building by JEG geo-survey department provided our BIM team with accurate information from which to develop support details.
Typical laser scan image of building
The biggest benefit comes from the labour reduction required to install the system which is lighter in weight than conventional steel components and where each support frame is simply bolted together. The same size fixing screws are used throughout and can be installed using a cordless impact wrench, which speeds up assembly time, ensures correct torque of every fixing and makes stocking different size screws a thing of the past.
In addition, the pipe brackets themselves are bolted to the frame which removes the need to weld and paint traditional supports.
Pipe shoe and guide assembly bolted in place
Modifications are easily made where small changes have little impact on what is a very flexible system, contrasting inflexible traditional steel that might need to be scrapped.
Other notable benefits include improved safety with the elimination of welding, drilling and reduction of heavy lifting.
Each delivery has ID label linked to specific site location
Orders of pre-cut channel and fittings are assembled and palletised and can be brought directly to the work area for assembly and installation, saving storage space and avoiding double handling (Just in time delivery)
√ Material cut to length off site (reduces work and labour required on site)
√ Material delivered on pallet for brackets in specific area (reduces double handling)
√ Just-in-time delivery (reduces congestion on site. Keeps maximum floor area available for install works)
√ Standard size bolts for all joints on support system (only one size needed, eliminates errors picking wrong bolts from stores. Easier to manage stock levels of one size only)
√ Can be assembled using cordless impact guns to correct torque (different size spanners not required. All bolts set to correct torque every time)
√ Lightweight material means easier install procedure for our crews (no awkward rigging of fully welded assemblies)
√ Minor adjustments possible to allow for discrepancies of building structure (no cutting or welding in situ required for alterations)
√ Complete range of mechanically fixed pipe supports available to compliment the installation (no additional welding or painting of guides required)
√ Bolted connections to building structure using standard mounting plates (no damage to painted finish or intumescent coatings of building steelwork)
√ Improved housekeeping in work area (no trailing leads required for drills or welding equipment. No metal swarf as all material pre-cut off-site)
√ Local supplier maintains material in stock (minimum delay if additional material required at short notice)
X Higher material cost than traditional support construction
X On some occasions (not often), there has been a longer lead time
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